Date of Birth: March 31, 1878
Zodiac Sign: Aries
Date of Death: June 10, 1946
Biography
Jack Johnson, born on March 31, 1878, in Galveston, Texas, was an iconic American boxer who became the first African American world heavyweight boxing champion. Known as the “Galveston Giant,” Johnson’s prowess in the ring was unmatched during his time. He held the world heavyweight title from 1908 to 1915, a period during which he faced numerous challenges both inside and outside the ring due to the racial prejudices of the era. Johnson’s flamboyant lifestyle and relationships with white women provoked controversy, resulting in legal troubles, including a conviction under the Mann Act in 1913, which many believed was racially motivated. Despite these obstacles, Johnson’s legacy as a trailblazer in sports and civil rights remains significant. He passed away on June 10, 1946, in a car accident in Franklinton, North Carolina.
5 Interesting Facts about Jack Johnson
1. Jack Johnson was the first African American to win the world heavyweight boxing title, securing his place in history on December 26, 1908.
2. He was known for his defensive and technical skills, which were ahead of his time and set new standards in boxing.
3. Johnson was also a businessman and owned a nightclub in Chicago called Café de Champion.
4. He was posthumously pardoned by President Donald Trump in 2018 for his 1913 conviction under the Mann Act.
5. Johnson’s life inspired the play and subsequent film “The Great White Hope,” which highlighted his struggles and triumphs.
5 Most Interesting Quotes from Jack Johnson
1. “I am not a coward, but I am so strong. So strong.”
2. “I’m Jack Johnson. Heavyweight champion of the world. I’m black. They never let me forget it. I’m free. They never let me forget it.”
3. “My fight is to prove that a black man can get a break, too.”
4. “There ain’t no man living who can whip me. I’m too fast. I’m too smart. I’m too pretty.”
5. “The only time I ever felt fear was when I was facing the law.”
Highest Net Worth Achieved
At the peak of his career, Jack Johnson’s net worth was estimated to be approximately $250,000, a significant sum during the early 20th century.
Children
Jack Johnson had three children: Etta Terry Duryea, Irene Pineau, and Adaline “Addie” Johnson.
Relevant Links
1. [Jack Johnson Biography](https://www.biography.com/athlete/jack-johnson
3. [History.com on Jack Johnson](https://www.history.com/topics/black-history/jack-johnson
4. [Jack Johnson’s Boxing Record](https://boxrec.com/en/proboxer/11738
